If you’ve upgraded to Windows 8 or you bought a new laptop or desktop PC running this version of the operating system, then like many other users you may still prefer to use the desktop for most or all of your computing work. Windows 8’s controversial design decisions continue to divide opinion, but now, even if you are firmly in the desktop computing camp, you can use ModernMix to run all those new Windows 8 apps with a more traditional user interface. ModernMix transforms Metro/Modern/Windows Store (we’re sure Microsoft will decide on a name for the new apps one day) apps into desktop programs. If you have a fancy new hybrid PC, you can quickly switch any tile back into regular, Windows 8 mode too, truly giving you the best of both worlds on your system.

Installing ModernMix is easy. You can try the program free for 30 days, we’ll show you how. To get started, go to the ModernMix homepage and download the latest version. Download the file and then run it as soon as the download is complete. You will need to enter your administrator password and/or click “Yes” when User Account Control prompts you to do so. The following window will then appear.

Scroll down to read the license agreement and if you agree, select “I agree to the terms of this license agreement”, then click “Next >”. The following window will then be displayed.

Stardock Software also sell a great Start Menu replacement called Start8. Start8 and ModernMix work well together to transform your Windows 8 PC into the ultimate desktop and tablet hybrid. We cover Start8 in another tutorial, so we won’t install it now. Deselect the box labelled “Yes, also install Start8”, then click “Next >”. The window shown below will then appear.

If you have already purchased a license key, click on “Unlock previous purchase”. You will then be able to enter your key and start using the program. If not, click on “Try ModernMix”. The window shown below will then be displayed.

Enter a valid e-mail address into the box here, then click on “Next”. The window shown below will then appear.

You need to access your e-mail inbox and click on the link that Stardock Software will e-mail to you. Once you have done this, click on “Next”. Installation is complete and you can now proceed directly to the next tutorial where we configure the software.

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